flow to the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flow to the ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the movement of a substance, such as water or leaves, as it descends or falls downwards. Example: "As the rain began to pour, the water started to flow to the ground, creating small puddles on the pavement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Most electrical discharges move sideways within or between clouds, but electrical charges can also flow to the ground in familiar flashes of lightning.

The New York Times - Science

Build-up of velocity near the ground is observed as a consequence of momentum transfer from the outer flow to the ground level due to the fluctuating flow field.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

Let the other end flow to the ground.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In basic terms, electricity naturally tries to flow to the earth or ground through any and all materials that will conduct an electrical current.

WikiHow

But Friday afternoon, four workers using wire meshing to seal a space around electric cables caused a ground fault, or the accidental flow of current to the ground.

The New York Times

This simple repeated movement increases blood flow to the brain and grounds the mind.

WikiHow

The upward motion induced by flow impingement influences plume height in front of the obstacles, while behind them the downward motion related to flow reattachment to the ground largely affects the vertical spread and average height of plume.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

"It would permeate the inside and also flow down to the ground".

The New York Times

It can be concluded that the use of the RFFF has the potential to further enhance oil recovery after fracturing the formation in low-permeability reservoirs without letting the fluid flow back to the ground.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Continued braiding upslope of trail degradation points creates an expanding zone that routes ground-water flow to the surface with increasing erosive energy during runoff events potentially initiating channels and locally expanding drainage networks.

Environmental Management

It sits on a wooden platform, about 15 inches off the ground, to increase the water flow to the garden.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the movement of liquids or granular substances, consider using "flow to the ground" to vividly portray the downward motion and final destination. For example, "After the heavy rain, the excess water started to "flow to the ground", creating small puddles."

Common error

Avoid using "flow to the ground" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise or scientific terminology might be more appropriate. In scientific reports, consider using terms like "drainage", "percolation", or "descent" for increased accuracy and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flow to the ground" functions primarily as a verb phrase, describing the movement of a substance or object downwards towards the earth's surface. This can be seen in Ludwig's examples, where it describes water, electricity, or other materials moving downwards.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "flow to the ground" is a versatile verb phrase commonly used to describe the downward movement of substances, such as liquids or granular materials. Grammatically correct and neutrally registered, it's found across diverse sources including News & Media, Science, and Wiki articles, as shown by Ludwig. While broadly applicable, it's advisable to use more precise terminology in highly formal contexts. Alternatives like "descend to the earth" or "seep into the soil" may suit specific nuances, but "flow to the ground" remains a reliable and descriptive option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

descend to the earth

Emphasizes a downward movement towards the ground, often with a sense of grounding or settling.

drain into the earth

Implies a gradual seepage or emptying into the ground, often used in the context of liquids.

cascade to the surface

Suggests a rapid and abundant flow downwards, often used for waterfalls or other similar phenomena.

trickle to the earth

Implies a slow and gentle flow downward, often used for liquids or small particles.

seep into the soil

Highlights the gradual absorption of a liquid into the ground.

pour onto the ground

Describes a rapid and forceful emission onto the ground.

empty onto the ground

Implies a complete discharge or emptying of something onto the ground.

fall upon the earth

Emphasizes a vertical drop or descent onto the ground.

sink into the earth

Suggests a gradual descent and disappearance into the ground.

gravitate towards the earth

Highlights the influence of gravity in causing the downward movement towards the ground.

FAQs

How can I use "flow to the ground" in a sentence?

You can use "flow to the ground" to describe the movement of liquids, gases, or even granular materials downward onto a surface. For example, "The rainwater began to "flow to the ground", creating puddles" or "The spilled sand started to "flow to the ground" forming a small mound".

What are some alternatives to "flow to the ground"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "drain into the earth", "descend to the earth", or "seep into the soil". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more accurate to say "flow to the ground" or "flow onto the ground"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "flow to the ground" is generally preferred when indicating the final destination of the flowing substance, while "flow onto the ground" might be used to emphasize the action of covering the ground. The subtle difference depends on context.

What's the difference between "flow to the ground" and "cascade to the surface"?

"Flow to the ground" describes a general movement downwards, while "cascade to the surface" implies a more dramatic, rapid, and abundant downward movement. A waterfall would "cascade to the surface" while a slow leak might "flow to the ground".